Electronic access to materials and information in today's economy and global environment is a part of doing business for library patrons. As the internet explosion has changed businesses and schools, it has also become a requirement for public libraries to provide the resources. Because of the cost of these resources and the need to use equipment to view the materials, additional procedures and policies must be implemented in addition to the policies for printed materials.
The electronic resource policy is also affected by the passage of the Neighborhood Children's Internet Protection Act (NCIPA). This act requires that libraries that receive E-rate discounts create policies and procedures to provide a safe environment for children. An "Internet Safety Policy" has been approved by the Board of Trustees, which meets the guidelines set forth under this act. In addition to this safety policy, additional monitoring of the public computers is required from MOREnet. MOREnet is the statewide internet service provider (ISP) for public libraries in the state and requires a log of users for security purposes.
The demand for these resources is great; space and money are not. These resources are made available to library patrons with valid library cards for one hour each day.
It has been a common practice nationwide to provide internet access to visitors. The Poplar Bluff Public Library issues a one time visitor use card to meet this need.
Security software has been installed to protect equipment and resources from being damaged, changed or altered in any way.
Software has been installed on all public access computers to provide filtering, security, and tracking. Filtering is turned on for children under the age of 16 and can be removed by staff upon request.
Adults and children must read and accept the electronic use policy statement before using these resources at each login.
The Library Director may withdraw for a temporary or permanent time use of electronic resources when abuse is documented. This withdrawal is usually, limited to use of electronic resources, but if the abuse is continuous or results in damage to library equipment or resources, the patron library card may be withdrawn. A patron has the right to appeal any decision made by the Director to the Board of Trustees at the regular monthly Board meeting.
Examples of misuse include the following:
- Accessing pornographic sites or chat rooms
- Sending emails, which are obscene.
- Sending any message or package to another computer or site, which was unsolicited.
- Changing, altering, deleting, or any process, which impacts the software or equipment of the library or on the internet. (This includes placing icons on the library desktop or shortcuts on the desktop, which were not created by library staff.)
- Changing passwords, attempting to change passwords, or any other act which bypasses the library security, tracking, or login scripts installed on computers.
- Sharing a library card or library card number with anyone. (Patrons are responsible for any activity assigned to their library card.)
Parents are responsible for children using the library computers. Not following library guidelines will result in privileges being withdrawn for the child and the responsible adult.
As a general rule, the Library Director, will withdraw internet privileges for 90 days for the first offense. A parent will also be informed in writing when a child's actions have resulted in a temporary withdrawal of privileges.
A second offense will result in permanent withdrawal of internet privileges.
Parents are responsible for the actions of their children. A second "breaking the rules" can result in the parent also losing internet privileges.
Adopted July 1, 2002
SECTION 1: RESPONSIBILITY
a. The Poplar Bluff Public Library does not monitor and has no control over the information accessed through the internet and cannot be held responsible for its content.
b. The Library upholds the right and responsibility of parents to determine and monitor their children's use of all library materials and resources.
c. Parents and guardians, not library staff, are responsible for the internet information selected and/or accessed by children.
SECTION 2: PROCEDURES
- All internet users must use "valid" library cards. (This includes temporary cards issued by staff.)
- Users must agree to the Internet Access Policy statement in order to access the internet.
- Since space is limited and increased noise from group conversation is disruptive to others, the librarian asks that no more than two people gather at one station.
- Staff may issue a temporary card to "visitors" or students. (All users must be tracked for security purposes and to meet guidelines set forth by MoreNet, the library's ISP provider.)
SECTION 3: DOWNLOADING FILES
Downloading files is NOT permitted.
SECTION 4: INTERNET TRAINING
Library staff cannot provide in-depth training concerning internet computer jargon or personal computer use. Because of library scheduling, internet-trained staff may not always be available.
SECTION 5: PRINTING
Two laser printers-one black/white and one color--are available for printing information from the internet computers. Users are responsible for printing costs of 25 cents per page for black/white copies and 2 dollars per page for color copies.
SECTION 6: SCHEDULING
Use by patrons shall be on a first come, first served basis.
SECTION 7: E-MAIL ACCOUNTS
The library does not offer electronic mail accounts. Patrons may access their e-mail accounts if they know the internet address of their private accounts.
